Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a mortar bomb, comprising: a main body; a nose; a tail extending from the main body, away from the nose; an obturating ring groove for accommodating, in use, an obturating ring, the ring groove being located in the main body; wherein a maximum diameter of the main body is upstream of the ring groove, toward the nose.

Abstract: A warhead includes a casing having a removable front portion, a plurality of explosive segments positioned in the casing, a plurality of spacers positioned in the casing and separating the plurality of explosive segments from each other, and a removable piston configured to be inserted inside the removable front portion of the casing, wherein the removable piston pushes against the plurality of explosive segments to create a continuous segment. The removable piston may push against the plurality of explosive segments to close the plurality of spacers and move the warhead from an off position to an on position. The continuous segment may be above an explosive failure thickness in the on position. The continuous segment may be configured to detonate upon reaching the failure thickness.

Abstract: A bullet defines a chamber and mechanism for extending an explosive body from the chamber. The chamber has a broader top portion than a lower portion. The bullet further defines a channel passage leading out of the top end of the bullet. The bullet contains the explosive body slidably engaged within the channel passage. A shaft is connected to the body and passes down from the body into the lower portion of the chamber. A thrust plate is connected to the shaft end in the chamber. The thrust plate is spring metal and when the cartridge is fired, the thrust plate rises pushing the body so that it extends from the leading end of the bullet. When the thrust plate rises to the second portion of the chamber, it springs open to prevent subsequent downward motion of the thrust plate and consequently prevents subsequent retraction of the body during flight.

Abstract: Compounded High Explosive Composites provide a novel family of low-cost explosives that exhibit anisotropic (directionally dependent, non-symmetric) sensitivity properties to replace current homogenous plastic bonded high explosives that are vulnerable to unwanted detonation from a variety of hazards and operating conditions. Anisotropic sensitivity behavior is largely achieved by manipulating the bulk property of critical diameter to fine-tune the compounded geometry of the explosive composite. As such, Compounded High Explosive Composites represent structural arrangements of small, spatially distributed, highly consolidated explosive units (pellets) arranged in a prescribed (but versatile) fashion in a motion and energy-dampening rubbery matrix. The compounded geometry and structural arrangement allows the explosive pellets to function cooperatively and detonate in an exemplary orientation, while ensuring the pellets do not cooperate in other directions to mitigate against known vulnerabilities and threats.

Abstract: A warhead 10 with selectable output can provide either a high-yield mode for a wide area of damage or a low-yield mode for restricting damage to a confined area. The warhead 10 includes a casing 14 having one or more partitions 16 that separate the casing 14 into multiple compartments. Each compartment includes an explosive charge. The multiple compartments include at least a first compartment 20 with a first explosive charge 22 and a first igniter 30, and a second compartment 24 separate from the first compartment 20 with a second explosive charge 26 and a second igniter 32. The second compartment 24 has a deflagration charge 34 for selectively destroying the second explosive charge 26 without detonation.

Abstract: A warhead 10 with selectable output can provide either a high-yield mode for a wide area of damage or a low-yield mode for restricting damage to a confined area. The warhead 10 includes a casing 14 having one or more partitions 16 that separate the casing 14 into multiple compartments. Each compartment includes an explosive charge. The multiple compartments include at least a first compartment 20 with a first explosive charge 22 and a first igniter 30, and a second compartment 24 separate from the first compartment 20 with a second explosive charge 26 and a second igniter 32. The second compartment 24 has a deflagration charge 34 for selectively destroying the second explosive charge 26 without detonation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel munition (1) comprising a controllable output warhead and also munitions comprising one or more of said warheads. There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead comprises an inner and outer portion of high explosive (3, 4) co-axially located and separated by a non-detonative material (5), such that in use at least two output modes are possible, by either simultaneous detonation of both the inner and outer portion high explo-sives (3, 4) or selective detonation of the inner high explosive portion (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel insensitive munition comprising one warhead and also munitions comprising one or more warheads. In particular, the invention lies in the field of insensitive munition warheads. There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead comprises at least two portions of high explosive separated by a non-detonative material, wherein each portion has a cross section below its critical detonation cross section, and wherein the at least two portions are arranged such that the total cross section of the at least two portions exceeds the critical detonation cross section of said high explosive, such that in use only simultaneous detonation of the at least two high explosives causes detonation to occur.

Abstract: A warhead apparatus, method of making same, and method of detonating same comprising employing a high explosive core, an energetically and physically dense reactive material substantially surrounding the core, and a pressure vessel substantially surrounding the reactive material.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead includes a plurality of projectiles in a projectile core, explosive segments about the plurality of projectiles, and an isolator between adjacent explosive segments. There is an external detonator on an outer surface of each of the explosive segments proximate an isolator, and an internal detonator inside of each explosive segment adjacent the projectile core.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of ammunition types to be used against a wide set of targets. At least two explosive charges are made use of in cooperation. Each of the explosive charges has changeable characteristics and is arranged to mutually cooperate in different ways depending on the particular changeable characteristics given to the explosive charges in a specific case and the type of target to be combated. An ammunition device admitting a reduction of the amount of ammunition types to be used. At least two cooperating explosive charges are arranged in a row along the direction of movement of the ammunition device when activated. Each of the explosive charges is switchable between at least two operating conditions having different operating characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel insensitive munition comprising one warhead and also munitions comprising one or more warheads. In particular, the invention lies in the field of insensitive munition warheads. There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead comprises at least two portions of high explosive separated by a non-detonative material, wherein each portion has a cross section below its critical detonation cross section, and wherein the at least two portions are arranged such that the total cross section of the at least two portions exceeds the critical detonation cross section of said high explosive, such that in use only simultaneous detonation of the at least two high explosives causes detonation to occur.

Abstract: A modified projectile round which is configured to function with a propellant cartridge such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,074. The projectile assembly uses a High-Low gas pressure cartridge to launch the projectile. When the high pressure cartridge is ignited, hot propellant gases rupture a burst cup and shoot propellant gases toward the aft end of the projectile. The hot propellant gases impinge against a delay carrier located in the aft end of the projectile. The contents of the delay carrier are thereby ignited. The delay carrier includes one or more delay columns ultimately terminating in an igniter charge. The delay columns burn as the projectile is in flight. A specified amount of time later, the igniter charge ignites an ignitable payload—such as a marker flare candle.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead includes a projectile core which includes a plurality of projectiles and an explosive charge about the core. There is at least one detonator for the explosive charge, and at least one wave shaper in the explosive charge or between the explosive charge and the core and having an apex adjacent the detonator.

Abstract: An ammunition unit, for combating targets (10) with or without using shaped charge effect, that incorporates an openable or removable and replaceable hull or outer casing (2). The explosive charge in the ammunition unit comprises a charge section (3) with shaped charge function arranged to be able to assume either of two freely selectable positions in the ammunition unit, the first of which enables the charge to exert its shaped charge function and the second of which disables the shaped charge function and enables a different effect to be triggered.

Abstract: A projectile for the destruction of unexploded ordnance comprising a projectile shell having a core region which contains a reactive composition comprised of a reactive metal and an oxidizer. The reactive metal is selected from the group consisting of titanium, aluminum, magnesium, lithium, beryllium, zirconium, thorium, uranium, hafnium, alloys thereof, hydrides thereof, and combinations thereof. The oxidizer is selected from the group consisting of lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorate, magnesium perchlorate, magnesium chlorate, ammonium perchlorate, ammonium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium chlorate, oxides thereof, peroxides thereof, and combinations thereof. Also included are methods of destroying unexploded ordnance and disposable apparati for delivering a projectile to destroy unexploded ordnance.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a warhead for penetrating hardened or buried targets. In general, the invention comprises a warhead for penetrating hardened or buried targets comprising a warhead that employs a super-cavitating nose along with a cellular structural design that uses a reinforced central post as the main load-bearing component and subdivides the explosive cavity into shorter sections. Also, initiation means for initiating the explosives are present.

Abstract: A warhead (1) having a warhead casing (2) that encloses an explosive charge (5). To ensure that, during the detonation of the explosive charge (5), the warhead (1) effects a rapid acceleration of the fragments flying in the flight direction, and a lesser acceleration of the fragments flying away laterally from the warhead, and/or generates a relatively intense lateral pressure wave, the charge has at least two different partial charges (7, 8-10) corresponding to the intended use of the warhead (1). The first partial charge (7), which is disposed in the region of the tip of the warhead (1), and comprises, for example, octogen (HMX), possesses a high detonation speed in order, when detonated, to accelerate heavy-metal fragments (preferably WSM spherical fragments) disposed in front of the partial charge very rapidly forward. In contrast, the second partial charge (8-10), which adjoins the rear of the first partial charge (7), is a far less costly charge, e.g.

Abstract: A warhead (1) having a warhead casing (2) that encloses an explosive charge (5). To ensure that, during the detonation of the explosive charge (5), the warhead (1) effects a rapid acceleration of the fragments flying in the flight direction, and a lesser acceleration of the fragments flying away laterally from the warhead, and/or generates a relatively intense lateral pressure wave, the charge has at least two different partial charges (7, 8-10) corresponding to the intended use of the warhead (1). The first partial charge (7), which is disposed in the region of the tip of the warhead (1), and comprises, for example, octogen (HMX), possesses a high detonation speed in order, when detonated, to accelerate heavy-metal fragments (preferably WSM spherical fragments) disposed in front of the partial charge very rapidly forward. In contrast, the second partial charge (8-10), which adjoins the rear of the first partial charge (7), is a far less costly charge, e.g.

Abstract: An explosive having cavities (16) is proposed for a pyrotechnic impact fuse (100) for high explosive shells (1). The sensitivity of the explosive lies in the class of secondary explosives, due to the cavities (16). Mechanical safety means can therefore be eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propellant charge module for artillery guns, of the type which is usually referred to by the term “modular charges” (1). A special feature of this type is that, in an otherwise empty pyrophoric relay tube (10) arranged axially in the longitudinal direction of the charge, it has a firing charge which is made up of a plurality of successive powder rings (14), the different ring-shaped parts of this firing charge having distancing members (16) which are directed towards each other and give rise to narrow ignition gaps (18) between them.

Abstract: This invention involves a hard target penetrating warhead designed to produce a variable explosive discharge. A standard warhead casing is divided into several compartments with each compartment separated by a shock-absorbing shield. Explosive fill in contained within each compartment. The shock-absorbing shield inhibits the dynamic shock produced by detonating a compartment, thus preventing sympathetic detonation of adjoining compartments. As a result, the size of an explosive blast is controlled by detonating the explosive fill, in a set number of compartments. Each compartment also contains an igniter element, which initiates a slow burn of undetonated explosive fill.

Abstract: An aerodynamic projectile, preferably a non-lethal projectile, including a projectile shell having an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity which exhibits improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy and which fractures in a predetermined pattern to disperse a fill contained therein. A method of making an aerodynamic projectile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ammunition unit in the form of a shell or the like, with at least two warheads connected via a supporting structure. In order to prevent the impact from the first activated warhead reaching the warheads situated to the rear, and to prevent an interference effect on these warheads, according to the invention a structure-dividing charge is arranged in the supporting structure in order to divide the structure into two separate parts.

Abstract: A penetrating bomb weapon comprising a long hollow cylinder constructed of high strength steel or similar material and including a pointed nose to aid in penetration of media such as concrete, soil, steel or a hardened surface. The cylinder contains an insensitive explosive that is separated into segments by shock attenuating materials so that one segment of the cylinder may detonate without detonating or destroying adjacent segments. The number of segments may be two or more depending on the complexity of the target to be attacked. Initiation of the main charge within each segment is achieved using explosive boosters positioned so that shocks transferred to adjacent segments, and the initiation train of these segments, is minimized. Separation of the segments is accomplished using explosive cutter charges which perforate and/or spall through the case wall of the penetrator bomb.

Abstract: A follow-through grenade is provided which utilizes a primary fuze to trir both the main warhead and a delayed secondary fuze system. The main warhead explosion is used to breach barriers behind which enemy personnel are located. When the primary explosion occurs, the primary fuze simultaneously activates a delay timer and slide detonator. The slide detonator provides a means to keep the secondary explosive in a safe mode until the explosion of the primary warhead. The delay timer triggers the follow-through explosion after the primary explosion has breached the barrier. This behavior allows the follow-through device to penetrate the barrier and explode on the far side of the barrier for maximum effectiveness against personnel located behind the barrier. The present invention uses a standard dual mode fuze as its activator and is based on the McDonnell Douglas Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW).

Abstract: A fragmentation casing for a secondary projectile of a tandem warhead which includes a forwardly located active charge, a rearwardly located active charge and a fuze arranged between the charges. The secondary projectile possesses on both sides thereof a generally ovoid, thick-walled and uniformly thick nose cone with a heavy wall thickness and with an inwardly located separate fragment charge; a one-sided overhung fastening of a fuze through a collar extending between two housing parts of the secondary projectile, whereby the fuze is almost completely and; in essence, also around the periphery thereof, embedded in the explosive of the rearwardly located active charge, and with a gapless arrangement of the interconnected active charges, the casing, the prefinished fragments and the nose cones.

Abstract: A segmenting warhead projectile has a fore section integral with an aft section. A mid section is disposed between the fore section and the aft section. Up range of a target, an explosive contained within the mid section is detonated separating the fore section from the aft section. When a desired separation distance is achieved, explosives contained within the fore and aft sections detonate, fragmenting the housing of the sections. The fragmentation patterns of the two sections overlap, providing a high dispersion of fragmentation segments along the line of flight compensating for range errors.

Abstract: A selectable fragmentation warhead capable of producing a predetermined number of fragments from a metal plate, and accelerating the fragments toward a target. A first explosive located adjacent to the plate is detonated at selected number of points by laser-driven slapper detonators. In one embodiment, a smoother-disk and a second explosive, located adjacent to the first explosive, serve to increase acceleration of the fragments toward a target. The ability to produce a selected number of fragments allows for effective destruction of a chosen target.

Abstract: A pyrotechnically initiated explosive projectile has coaxially arranged, a nose incendiary, a penetrator core, a high explosive, and an overall jacket. A seal ring is installed between the nose incendiary and the penetrator core to preclude relative movement between the core and the jacket during projectile assembly, acceleration and spin up from prematurely igniting the incendiary charge. The seal ring has a front collar portion which preferably has a diameter greater than that of the inside diameter of the jacket so that the collar scrapes the inside wall of the jacket during insertion to remove incendiary residual so that no incendiary can lodge between the jacket and the penetrator core.

Abstract: A follow-thru grenade for military operations in urban terrain uses a microsecond delay fuzed warhead to breach a target will to allow a deflector protected anti-personnel millisecond delay fuzed grenade to proceed through the wall breach to attach enemy personnel behind the wall.

Abstract: A binary munition system comprising at least two non-explosive ingredients hat combine in flight to form a relatively safe explosive. The combination of said non-explosive ingredients for the purpose of forming safe explosives is novel.The binary munition stores the non-explosive ingredients in separate compartments which utilize membranes, bags or containers to facilitate the separation. The munition is equipped with means in which to rupture the compartments upon launch or fire. The purpose of the munition is to maintain separation of the non-explosive ingredients and to achieve mixing of the ingredients upon launch or fire of said munition.

Abstract: A tandem warhead missile arrangement that has a composite material housing structure with a first warhead mounted at one end and a second warhead mounted near another end of the composite structure with a dome shaped composite material blast shield mounted between the warheads to protect the second warhead from the blast of the first warhead.

Abstract: An enabling device 24 for a gas generator 42 of a forced dispersion munitions dispenser 10 includes a housing 58 in which and formed a bore 60, an outlet lead 88 and a detonator opening 68 in which is positioned an electrically initiated detonator 70. A piston 62 is located in the bore 60 and has a disabled position and an enabled position. A safety groove 64 is formed in the outer surface of the piston 62, and a safety passage 72, a safety aperture 74, 75 and a transfer lead 86 are formed in the piston 62. A gas generator 42 containing a quantity of pyrotechnic material 84 is mounted on the housing 58. The gas generator 42 is provided with a safety outlet 46, 47 and an inlet lead 44.

Abstract: Hardware and method are disclosed for mixing at least two non-toxic chemical compounds in a warhead for missiles and artillery projectiles to form a toxic agent during their ballistic travel to a target. The inventive design avoids danger from spills of toxic agent during shipment, handling or storage of chemical ammunition by not allowing the constituents of such agent to mix until shortly before the ammunition impacts the targets.

Abstract: Ammunition, such as a warhead with an explosive charge comprises a casing which is provided with a material construction of a nature providing at least controlled formation of fragments of a certain preferred mass, coverings for formation of explosion formed projectiles of a certain preferred mass, or preformed fragments of a certain preferred mass. The explosive charge is located within the casing and there are means for selective munition conversion alternatively to control formation of fragments or to natural fragmentation. For this purpose one or more recesses are provided in the explosive charge adjacent the casing as a means for munition conversion to the formation of explosion formed projectiles or unshattered preformed fragments. The filling of inert material is provided in at least a portion of the recess and it comprises a liquid inert material or a plastic inert material or a liquid explosive or plastic explosive.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a forward, armor piercing, high explosive charge and an aft anti-personnel high explosive charge in a shrapnel providing casing, both charges being functioned by a single, deceleration sensitive, detonator assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hermetically sealed ballistic projectile having nose, material containing shell and a piston. The nose has a rearwardly increased diameter and a rearward region of decreased diameter, the shell has a forward most region of mating diameter with the rearward region of the nose and is in fixed but frangible contact with the nose. The piston is in hermetic sealed engagement with the inner surface of the forward region of the shell with its forward surface proximate the rearward surface of the nose. Material is used to fill the interior space of the shell between the piston and the rearward inner surface of the shell. The materials can be of a liquid, semi-liquid, slurry or solid consistency and are explosive, hypergolic, incendiary or otherwise reactive or inert, and contained in a single or a plurality of separate component containing compartments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hermetically sealed ballistic projectile having nose, material containing shell and a piston. The nose has a rearwardly increased diameter and a rearward region of decreased diameter, the shell has a forward most region of mating diameter with the rearward region of the nose and is in fixed but frangible contact with the nose. The piston is in hermetic sealed engagement with the inner surface of the forward region of the shell with its forward surface proximate the rearward surface of the nose. Material is used to fill the interior space of the shell between the piston and the rearward inner surface of the shell. The materials can be of a liquid, semi-liquid, slurry or solid consistency and are explosive, hypergolic, incendiary or otherwise reactive or inert, and contained in a single or a plurality of separate component containing compartments.

Abstract: Longitudinal stresses in the explosive grain of a rapidly accelerated high xplosive projectile are absorbed in longitudinal reinforcement members and are transferred therefrom to the casing of the projectile. Transmission of the acceleration load from the grain to the longitudinal reinforcement members may be by friction, adhesive bonding or by area mismatch. A stress decoupling layer in the aft end of the projectile may be employed for matrix stress decoupling.

Abstract: This invention involves a hard target penetrating warhead designed to penetrate several layers of a target. A standard warhead casing is divided into several compartments with each compartment separated by a shock-absorbing shield. Explosive fill in contained within each compartment. The shock-absorbing shield inhibits the dynamic shock produced by detonating a compartment, thus preventing sympathetic detonation of adjoining compartments. Each compartment also contains a delay element, which permits each compartment to be ignited at the desired time. This allows the warhead to destroy a layer of a target then proceed to the next layer or layers, eliminating the need for several missiles to destroy the entire target.